Magic Mike XXL

While I concluded that "Magic Mike" was nothing more than a skin flick disguised as a commercial film before I saw the film, I had to conclude that, with all objectivity, it was much deeper than I would have ever realized, considering we're talking about "Magic Mike". So, even after watching the trailer of "Magic Mike XXL", I felt that if the original film had grit and a deeper message to convey, I determined this installment would be the same. Wow! Was I proved wrong.

Three years after Mike Lane aka Magic Mike (Channing Tatum) bowed out of the stripper life at the top of his game to start his own furniture design business, he and the remaining Kings of Tampa, Ken (Matt Bomer), Richie (Joe Manganiello), Tarzan (Kevin Nash) and Tito (Adam Rodriguez), first considering to throw in the towel, ultimately decide to hit the road in a food catering truck owned by Tobias (Gabriel Iglesias), and head to Myrtle Beach to put on one last blow-out performance
On the road to their final show, with whistle stops in Jacksonville and Savannah, they renew old acquaintances namely Rome (Jada Pinkett Smith) and meet new friends namely Nancy Davidson (Andie MacDowell) and her daughter, Zoe (Amber Heard). Mike and the guys end up learning some new moves and shake off the past in surprising ways.

Others to round out the cast are Elizabeth Banks as Paris, Donald Glover as Andre, Michael Strahan as Augustus, Carrie Ann Hunt as Megan Davidson, Nancy's other daughter, Mary Kraft as Jessica and Lindsey Moser as Mini Mart Cashier.

As I was viewing this film, I soon came to the conclusion that this film had no intention of showing any kind of message that we can learn from at all, unlike its predecessor. I suppose that writer, Reid Carolin ("Earth Made of Glass" (Documentary) '10, "Magic Mike" '12) felt that his message in the original was all that was needed, so in this installment, the assumption was to pull out all the stops and just show us what these guys do best and that is in their dancing while showing us their well-built bodies, and that's it, because this is about all we get in this. The plot was unoriginal and old as dirt, and its predictability was evident. It was directed by Gregory Jacobs ("Criminal" '04, "Wind Chill" '07), and even though it was adequate in its staging and pacing, it certainly wasn't anything memorable. What was memorable was the dancing, specifically by Tatum and the overall choreography by Alison Faulk. The one scene with Tatum and Strahan was pure genius in its synchronized choreography. This is where this film exceled. So if one is expecting to see any substantial storyline in this, you will be let down. This is basically a skin flick version of American Idol on the road.

If you're looking for any substance in plot, overlook the fact that there is none, however if all you want out of this is incredible dancing and choreography, this film will fit the bill. I'm not quite sure why another "Magic Mike" was made unless it was to just make more money, but if this is the reason, assuming this makes money, I'm sure we'll see a "Magic  Mike XXXL" in our not too distant future. Good or bad idea--you be the judge.

Out of 4 Stars: 2                                  Rated: R                                   115mins.